Press Conference on January 15, 2025

Suzanne Sierra
Assistant Director
St. Louis Mosaic Project
Statement for ISPN Press Conference/Show of support for immigrants

January 15, 2025-International Institute

Thank you all for being here today as we stand united with immigrant service providers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, elected officials and community partners in support of our immigrant communities. The St. Louis Mosaic Project is part of the non-profit World Trade Center and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, our region’s economic development agency. All of our work supports growing our economy in the City and the County and that starts with people.

Between 2022-2023, St. Louis ranked #1 for foreign-born growth among the top 30 metros and that number includes company transfers, refugees, international students, entrepreneurs, and family members. The St. Louis Mosaic Project’s mission is to maintain that #1 ranking through 2030 and to drive initiatives that expand and retain a work-authorized, global talent pool as a cornerstone of the region’s economic and cultural growth.

In St. Louis, immigrants account for over $2 billion in annual spending power and contribute more than $1 billion in federal, state, and local taxes each year. Nearly one in five entrepreneurs in the region is foreign-born, creating jobs and opportunities for all residents. These businesses, small and large, enrich our economy and bring vibrancy to neighborhoods across the region. (New American Economy)

Thousands of international students continue to choose one of our well-known Universities as the place to earn degrees and these best of the brightest are eager to stay in St. Louis after graduation. Beyond their economic contributions, immigrants bring innovation, culture, and resilience. They revitalize our schools, enhance our workforce, and help address labor shortages in critical industries like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. The foreign-born population in MO has a labor force participation rate of 65.2% - higher than the 62.9% of the native born population which suggests that a significant portion of immigrants the region are actively employed. (American Immigration Council)

Today, we reaffirm our commitment: Together with our partners, we will continue to WELCOME and support immigrants, advocate for their contributions, and ensure that this region remains a place where everyone feels HOPEFUL and understands that they belong and can thrive.

We know that when immigrants succeed, St. Louis succeeds. Together, we can create a future that’s more inclusive, prosperous, and vibrant for everyone.

Thank you for joining us in this important work. Let’s keep moving forward—together.